Man charged with attacking young lawyer in her home

A 20-YEAR-OLD Dublin man has been refused bail after he was charged with attacking of a young lawyer in her home.

Sam Maughan, with an address at Huntstown Rise, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, was charged in connection with the alleged incident on Sunday in which the woman, with whom he previously had a relationship, sustained an injury.

He appeared at Dublin District Court to face a single count of assault causing harm to the woman at an address in Dublin 8 on July 5th.

The offence is contrary to section three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act which on conviction can carry a sentence of up to five years imprisonment.

Judge Timothy Lucey noted there was a garda objection to bail based on the seriousness of the alleged offence. The court heard it was alleged the young woman's wrist was broken as a result of the attack.

Defence solicitor Michael Kelleher told Judge Lucey his client strongly denies the allegation and there was an application for bail.

The defendant had claimed the woman had continued contacting him and after the alleged incident they met at a location in the city-centre which the woman did not accept. It was not disputed that they had been in a relationship previously but she did not agree that they had been living together, the court heard.

The defendant now accepts the relationship is over, the court was also told.

Pleading for bail, the defence solicitor said his client would abide by any conditions set down by the court if he were released. Mr Kelleher also also his client had previously experienced periods of homelessness.

However, after noting the garda objections and submissions from the defence, Judge Lucey said he was refusing bail. He remanded Mr Maughan in custody to face a hearing on a later date at Cloverhill District Court.

The ruling means he must bring a bail application to the High Court to get released pending his trial.